PREPARING YOUR CV FOR NEW JOBS

As we approach the end of 2016, many thoughts are moving towards next year, new jobs and of course an updated CV. When seeking a new role, preparing your CV becomes a critical part of the process as almost all employers will ask you for a CV. If you fail to prepare, you are preparing to fail so let’s see what fairways can do when it comes to preparing your CV.

At Fairways, we know all about big changes such moving home, changing jobs or career. Perhaps you recently lost your job or you are ready to take a leap into the unknown to secure that dream job you have always longed for and that’s why we can help you with your job search to find the job of your dreams. With jobs aplenty to be found, you, as applicants must be in a position to know what position to apply for and how best to market yourself as the best candidate for the role.

Employers will naturally expect job seekers to be interested in the job they have applied for and when this isn’t the case, you become a lost cause. Anything from lack of enthusiasm, generic cover letters, no recollection of the job, all lead prospective employers to think an applicant just wants a job but not their job. In which case they wonder whether they’re wasting valuable time on someone not committed to their company or vacancy.

Everyone wants to present the best possible CV to prospective employers however a large number of people don’t get this important document correct. Your CV is the one document that promotes you as a serious commodity to an employer so preparing your CV well is fundamental to your search for work as this is where prospective employers will gain their first impression of you and make a judgment in less than a minute. If you miss this opportunity, then your CV will reach no further than the ‘junk’ bin and no serious job hunter wants this to happen to them.

So what can YOU do to stand out from the crowd and ensure you are the chosen one by a prospective employer?

Your CV must immediately show how and why you should be considered by a prospective employer and crucially it should make an employer want to know more about you.

This is the basis as to building and preparing your CV. The most difficult feature is the writing up of your CV and you need to take care to show that you are indeed the best person for the position.

So, you have seen your dream job and wish to apply. You must tailor your CV to a particular position; if it is too generic, the hiring organisation will not consider you. Be realistic and ensure you list relevant qualifications, experience and skills that will match your dream job.

The first page of your CV must capture the interest of the prospective employer or recruiting agency and make them want to read and know more about you. Start with an introductory paragraph that summarises your skills and qualities and what you have to offer the employing organisation.

You need to demonstrate how and in what way you are a great benefit to a prospective employer and do not forget to concentrate on your key strengths. All information provided must be relevant to the job you are applying for and remember to include a cover letter outlining why you are the best person for the position.

Key steps to include in your CV:

a brief summary outlining your skills

personal details – this tells the employer basic information about you

a chronological list of your qualifications

a brief outline of responsibilities/duties for each of your previous roles

key achievements attained with each employer

Tips:

don’t tell lies on your CV – you will be caught out

don’t forget to explain any gaps in your employment history

don’t write long sentences, keep these short and to the point – about 15 words is ideal

don’t include claims about hobbies and interests you do not have

don’t make any spelling mistakes

don’t have more than 2 pages of information on your CV if at all possible

If you would prefer professional help to write your CV, either register on line at www.fairways-uk.com or call us on 01738 632561 or 01382 211222 as we would more than happy to assist you in finding your dream job.